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Evaluation of antifertility activity of the ethanol extract of <i>Ammania baccifera</i> (L) whole plant in male albino rats


R Dhanapal
G S Kumar
V L Bubu
K Chandramohan
R A Kumar
M A Gupta
S K Basu

Abstract



The 90% ethanol extract of Ammania baccifera (L) whole plant (EEAB) was administered to mature male rats at different doses in alternate days for 18 days. After the final dose and 18 hours fasting rats were sacrificed to evaluate antifertility activity. Results showed that the weight of the testis and epididymis decreased significantly whereas there was no significant change in body weight. Sperm density and motility was reduced significantly and content of fructose in the seminal vesicles reduced significantly in extract-treated rats. Levels of cholesterol and ascorbic acid were significantly elevated. Also the activities ∆5-3β -hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (∆5-3β-HSD) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD), the two key enzymes involved in androgen biogenesis, were significantly inhibited in extract-treated rats. This study suggests that A. baccifera (L.) whole plant extract arrests spermatogenesis and inhibits steroidogenesis thereby acting as antifertility agent in male rats

Keywords: Ammania baccifera; ∆5-3β-Hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase; Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; Antisteroidogenic; Spermatogenesis

Journal of Pharmacy and Bioresources Vol. 3 (2) 2006: pp. 89-93

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eISSN: 0189-8442